Matthew Stafford’s performance on Thursday night was remarkable, as he threw for 457 yards, three touchdowns, and did not throw any interceptions against one of the strongest defenses in the NFL. However, despite his outstanding display, his MVP odds took a hit following the Los Angeles Rams’ loss to the Seattle Seahawks. This dip in his odds seems counterintuitive given his stellar play but is primarily linked to the impact of team performance on MVP considerations.
The Rams’ defeat caused them to lose their grip on the NFC West standings, making Stafford’s path to the MVP award more complicated. Historically, the MVP award is often closely tied to team success, and losses can negatively affect a player’s individual accolades. Currently, Stafford remains a frontrunner with odds of -225, although this marks a decrease from -300 prior to Week 16.
Interestingly, history suggests that it is indeed possible for a quarterback to win MVP without his team claiming the division title. Notable examples include Peyton Manning in 2008 and Johnny Unitas in 1967, both of whom won the award while their teams missed out on playoffs or divisional success.
In the midst of a highly competitive NFC West, where the Rams are positioned at 11-4, Stafford is excelling statistically. Leading the league with 4,179 passing yards and 40 touchdown passes while keeping his interceptions to just five demonstrates his elite status. His performance metrics, topped with a passer rating of 112.1, clearly place him head and shoulders above his peers.
Despite the Rams’ recent loss, they are still widely regarded as one of the top teams in the league, and Stafford’s contributions have been integral to their success. It would be unfair to attribute the team’s loss to his performance, particularly as mistakes from the defense and special teams contributed to the overtime defeat. Up to this point in the season, Stafford has proven himself to be the most valuable player, regardless of whether the Rams emerge at the top of their division. His exceptional play continues to support his claim to the MVP award, showcasing that individual excellence can shine, even in turbulent team circumstances.